Etchmiadzin cites “objective reasons” for Assembly delay

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has responded to public inquiries about why the Ecclesiastical Assembly has not convened since 2017. In an official statement, the Church cites “objective reasons” for the delay.

“Since 2017, holding the Assembly has not been possible due to certain factors,” the statement reads. It also notes that Catholicos Karekin II, in accordance with Article 7 of the Supreme Spiritual Council statute, has modified the Council’s composition.

These changes were triggered by leadership transitions in various dioceses, such as the Eastern Diocese of the U.S., the Diocese of France, Artsakh, and the Diocese of Georgia, where newly appointed primates replaced their predecessors.

Additional adjustments were made due to frequent absences, health issues, and even incarceration of certain senior clerics.

The Mother See also outlined how the Council’s 21-member body is formed: two lay members are selected from Armenia, two from the Eastern Hemisphere, and one from the Western Hemisphere. Two members — the Locum Tenens of the Araratian Pontifical Diocese and the Chief of Staff of the Mother See — are permanent by office.

The remaining 19 include 12 elected members and 7 appointed by the Catholicos. Of the elected clerical members, two are from Armenia and five from the diaspora, with selections based on geographic distribution and the size of dioceses.

Recently, Catholicos Karekin II suspended some Council members, including bishops from the group of ten who had met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. These bishops issued a renewed statement, accusing the Mother See of serious mismanagement and pointing out that the Church Assembly, normally held every four years, hasn’t convened since 2017.